Student Grants 2012/2013 ---- any responses yet ???

madcharlie

Hey ,
just wondering, has anyone recieved their grant application pack yet from SUSI.
I applied for around the 23rd(ish) June and nothing yet ....

Bears and Vodka

I applied around the same time and received my application pack yesterday.

mr.boombastic

Applied on June 20th (5weeks ago 2mo) and still havent received anything! Spoke to a girl on the phone yesterday in SUSI and she told me my application was still being processed...

madcharlie

cheers guys ... hope it will come soon, then the lever arch of "relevant documents' has to be put together ... lol

ddixon

My son applied on the first day you could, and still has not received any information yet. Probably would have spent it all on booze by now anyway.

madcharlie

yup ...rang up yesterday , mine is still in the "big pile" waiting to be accessed !! :mad:

Rickwellwood

applied on June 20th and received the SUSI document request letter yesterday ---- so far so good.

pizza_saur_rex

I applied the second day it came out, and got the letter requesting for the documents around July 3rd. Sent in the requirement documentation the following day, and haven't heard anything back. I sent them an email the other day and got a generic response along the liens of: "Dear Mr. Pizzasaurs, your application is in a big pile on the desk, and we will get to it went the spirit moves us, love SUSI".

entropi

Nothing back on that yet, applied at the start of July. If I even had the "your application is currently being processed" letter, I'd be slightly relieved, as at least I could let the college know on registration day I should have word on that soon enough.

AppleBottle

Applied the first day and still waiting. I have a lot of my documents together already though so I'll be able to send it nearly right away.

mr.boombastic

AppleBottle wrote: »

Applied the first day and still waiting. I have a lot of my documents together already though so I'll be able to send it nearly right away.

You been onto SUSI about it?seems like a long time to be waiting.....

Dicksboro_man

guys how much do you actually get if you're given the full grant? and how much is the top up?

Muir

The different rates are here:
http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp9552/grant-levels/index.html

Full grant is 3,025
Special rate is 5,915

cottage garden

I applied june 28th but received no documentation request to date. But, when i rang them on Monday last they told me I have provisional approval & the letter re documentation should be out soon. Still waiting though!

Muir

cottage garden wrote: »

I applied june 28th but received no documentation request to date. But, when i rang them on Monday last they told me I have provisional approval & the letter re documentation should be out soon. Still waiting though!

If it's not out by Monday maybe give them another ring just to check it hasn't been lost in the post or anything.

AppleBottle

mr.boombastic wrote: »

You been onto SUSI about it?seems like a long time to be waiting.....

Actually emailed them about something else and they had mentioned my application had processed and I was eligible and should receive my letter saying what to send in two to three weeks. That was about a week and a half ago. But still waiting so I can send everything back. Hopefully I'll hear by the end of next week. I'd love to just get this sorted as soon as possible.

Harblarblar

Applied on the 19th of June and still waiting:/

madcharlie

Harblarblar wrote: »

Applied on the 19th of June and still waiting:/

hey ..... I applied a couple of days after that, and recieved my pack on the 2nd August , so you should call them !! ...

madcharlie

got my pack in the post . and posted everything back on the 7th august . Anybody know what the turnaround time is now for them to get back to me ??

fizzyorange

Got my pack in the post yesterday and I'm going to try to get it sent out by Tuesday.

Muir

madcharlie wrote: »

got my pack in the post . and posted everything back on the 7th august . Anybody know what the turnaround time is now for them to get back to me ??

No one has heard back from them after sending in documents, and I read someone say they got in touch with SUSI and they wont be told until September.

fennellryan

I applied on the 4th of July and have received nothing from them yet. That's six and a half weeks ago - Do I need to contact them or is that just how long it takes to process the application?

Maldesu

Sent mine in one the 1st July and got the letter looking for documents on the 9th. Sent the thing off on Monday 13th so it's just the waiting game now.

Yuugib

I've applied through SUSI this year and they've sent me a letter at the end of July saying that I'm not eligible for a grant as our income is over 70k :eek:
In reality, whole family together earns a bit more than half of that

I've emailed them nearly three weeks ago explaining the situation. They replied the next day stating that they will review the issue and get back to me. It has been ages now.

Is anybody in similar situation? I wonder how long they will be reviewing this for... I'm getting worried!

Muir

Yuugib wrote: »

I've applied through SUSI this year and they've sent me a letter at the end of July saying that I'm not eligible for a grant as our income is over 70k :eek:
In reality, whole family together earns a bit more than half of that

I've emailed them nearly three weeks ago explaining the situation. They replied the next day stating that they will review the issue and get back to me. It has been ages now.

Is anybody in similar situation? I wonder how long they will be reviewing this for... I'm getting worried!

How do you mean, like after tax you earn half of that? Or your gross income is half that?

Yuugib

Muir wrote: »

How do you mean, like after tax you earn half of that? Or your gross income is half that?

Gross is half of that actually, so technically I should be eligible for the full grant

Sorry for not being clear.

Muir

If the gross income is half that then it was probably just some sort of error & they'll sort it out. Maybe phone them on Monday & ask if there's any update? The whole process is a bit slow.

wispa9

Going into first year and should be eligible for the grant, I'm sending off my documentation in a few days. I'm a bit unclear as to what exactly I'll have to pay once I go to college. I know the grant covers the student contribution fee, but if my application hasn't been fully approved in time, do I have to pay that myself, then get the money off SUSI? Or do I just let the college know that it's "in the post"... :P All answers appreciated.

Muir

wispa9 wrote: »

Going into first year and should be eligible for the grant, I'm sending off my documentation in a few days. I'm a bit unclear as to what exactly I'll have to pay once I go to college. I know the grant covers the student contribution fee, but if my application hasn't been fully approved in time, do I have to pay that myself, then get the money off SUSI? Or do I just let the college know that it's "in the post"... :P All answers appreciated.

I know that this year when you register with UCD, they will ask for your grant application number & then SUSI will let them know if you're successful. Some colleges may be a bit stricter than others but if they start looking for the fees just let them know that you expect to get the grant & are waiting on confirmation, hopefully they'll be okay with that.

Also the grant doesn't cover the Student center levy which is €183 in UCD. It goes by different names in other colleges, I think it can be over €200 in some colleges. So you'll have to pay that.

wispa9

Muir wrote: »

I know that this year when you register with UCD, they will ask for your grant application number & then SUSI will let them know if you're successful. Some colleges may be a bit stricter than others but if they start looking for the fees just let them know that you expect to get the grant & are waiting on confirmation, hopefully they'll be okay with that.

Also the grant doesn't cover the Student center levy which is €183 in UCD. It goes by different names in other colleges, I think it can be over €200 in some colleges. So you'll have to pay that.

Oh thanks! I'm going to UL so I'll have to check. Hopefully they're as understanding as UCD! Thanks a million!

PopePalpatine

How does the awarding authority determine whether I'm within 45km of the college I'm applying to? Is it 45km as the crow flies?

Lynchy747

PopePalpatine wrote: »

How does the awarding authority determine whether I'm within 45km of the college I'm applying to? Is it 45km as the crow flies?

No its the shortest route using roads. As in they use the shortest way there not the fastest.

Dougal McGuire

much people actually hear if they got the grant?

Muir

Dougal McGuire wrote: »

much people actually hear if they got the grant?

I don't think anyone has or will until September.

PopePalpatine

Lynchy747 wrote: »

No its the shortest route using roads. As in they use the shortest way there not the fastest.

I just found out I live 32km away. Bugger.

I emailed the SUSI on Friday asking them when would I hear from them in regard to weather I got awarded the grant or not.

They emailed me back this evening saying they will be getting in touch with people mid September to let them know if they have been successful or not.

Hope this puts some people's minds at ease for the next few weeks anyways.!!

Battleflag

Anyone know if they will be contacting us regarding being successful for the grant via post or email? I'd assume its post like their previous correspondence but I will be starting university in Scotland at the start of September so it won't be there to collect my post!

Avox

MakaDonVeli wrote: »

I emailed the SUSI on Friday asking them when would I hear from them in regard to weather I got awarded the grant or not.

They emailed me back this evening saying they will be getting in touch with people mid September to let them know if they have been successful or not.

Hope this puts some people's minds at ease for the next few weeks anyways.!!

Really hope they don't delay it much longer than mid-September, if it keeps dragging out, it'll probably make it impossible for a lot of people to actually get to college..

Avox

Avox wrote: »

Really hope they don't delay it much longer than mid-September, if it keeps dragging out, it'll probably make it impossible for a lot of people to actually get to college..

Indeed, most colleges, if not all of them will allow you to put down a deposit of maybe 200 euro until you find out weather you have been successful or not.

I know in IT Carlow this is what they do, and if you are awarded the grant they will refund you the 200 or so euro deposit

Ring your college, or ask them when registering, make sure you bring your letter saying you where successful in passing the first stage.

Avox

MakaDonVeli wrote: »

Indeed, most colleges, if not all of them will allow you to put down a deposit of maybe 200 euro until you find out weather you have been successful or not.

I know in IT Carlow this is what they do, and if you are awarded the grant they will refund you the 200 or so euro deposit

Ring your college, or ask them when registering, make sure you bring your letter saying you where successful in passing the first stage.

Tbh I don't think they're allowed charge you anything. It all depends on the grant, you'll be provisionally enrolled at no cost, and the fact that IT Carlow charge €200 for that privilege is a bit of a disgrace!

Avox

Avox wrote: »

MakaDonVeli wrote: »

Indeed, most colleges, if not all of them will allow you to put down a deposit of maybe 200 euro until you find out weather you have been successful or not.

I know in IT Carlow this is what they do, and if you are awarded the grant they will refund you the 200 or so euro deposit

Ring your college, or ask them when registering, make sure you bring your letter saying you where successful in passing the first stage.

Tbh I don't think they're allowed charge you anything. It all depends on the grant, you'll be provisionally enrolled at no cost, and the fact that IT Carlow charge €200 for that privilege is a bit of a disgrace!

Well I'm not entirely sure. They may not. Maybe just for 1st years? As students in 2nd and onwards are known etc....

Don't take my word as the final say tho. Just saying what i've heard

MonkeyBeans

Hey guys I applied on the 30th of July and haven't gotten any word requesting additional information. I emailed them on Monday about my application and still no reply. Do they usually take this long?

Dougal McGuire

MakaDonVeli wrote: »

I emailed the SUSI on Friday asking them when would I hear from them in regard to weather I got awarded the grant or not.

They emailed me back this evening saying they will be getting in touch with people mid September to let them know if they have been successful or not.

Hope this puts some people's minds at ease for the next few weeks anyways.!!

That really isnt good enough. I need to pay my fees by the 2nd week of September like

madcharlie

rand SUSI today , and they told me about 1% had gotten a decision so far! Definitely won't hear back with definite decision till September.

chomps_x

I live 37.7km away from college, only one parent working (2-3 days a week), I'm on the HEAR scheme and have a younger brother and 1 more sibling on the way. Anyone know if I'll qualify for a full grant? And if so will it be enough to cover the 2,250 we've to pay at the start of the year?

AppleBottle

chomps_x wrote: »

I live 37.7km away from college, only one parent working (2-3 days a week), I'm on the HEAR scheme and have a younger brother and 1 more sibling on the way. Anyone know if I'll qualify for a full grant? And if so will it be enough to cover the 2,250 we've to pay at the start of the year?

If you qualify for the grant, you get all or part of your fees paid for separately to the money you will receive whatever way they pay it out. (monthly, every three months etc)
It all depends on your income. But living 37.7km away, you will not be in the non-adjacent rate.

To those worrying about the grant and having your fees paid for, if you have not heard by the time you start college, go to someone in your college about it. In mine, we have to show a letter to the registrar's office that says we have applied the minute we get it so they can put it on file regarding our fees. When I was in my 1st year 2009/2010, I didn't receive my grant until February of the 2010! I'm not sure how fast or slow this process is going to be compared to the VEC but I sure hope I don't have to wait until February this year.

Still no contact for me. I've been on to them twice. First time they said that it had been process and the pack would be out in 2/3 weeks. 3 weeks passed and I rang them and the guy said the pack hadn't been sent out to me. I have no idea what is going on. I applied the first day.

Harblarblar

That's the same as me I rang then there a few weeks ago and they told my pack had been sent to me. I waited a while and nothing came so I rang again, the women on the phone told me pack hadn't been sent at all however she did tell me I was eligible but I do not know whether to trust them now so I might ring again!!

Muir

People need to stop worrying about not hearing about the grant until mid-Sept. Fact is, a large number of other students will also be waiting, and frankly it's normal to be waiting a while to hear. Your college will be well used to dealing with it. If they start asking for fees, go to your student advisor/welfare officer or someone else & explain that you're waiting to hear back about the grant. UCD in my experience have always been perfectly fine with this and this year you can give them your grant application number & they will be informed by SUSI if you get the grant so no worries for you. Most colleges will be understanding.

& yes, I know you are all told that there are deadlines for these fees but trust me, if you go & speak to the right person it will be fine. SUSI wont pay the colleges until mid-late Oct. even if you are accepted because students drop out & they don't want to have paid for them. So don't stress out, you'll all be fine.

pbowenroe

i started a course in 2010, stayed in college for the year but didn't go back for second year and dropped out. i now have to pay fees for first year (5,630 euro).

if i am eligible for the grant, will the fees be covered by it?

MonkeyBeans

Question about the people who have to wait till mid September - does this include those who still have to send in additional documents (e.g. parents income, proof of address, etc) ?

Muir

pbowenroe wrote: »

i started a course in 2010, stayed in college for the year but didn't go back for second year and dropped out. i now have to pay fees for first year (5,630 euro).

if i am eligible for the grant, will the fees be covered by it?

No, they wont be covered. I'm not sure of all the ins and outs of you actually getting the grant and if the student services charge is included in the 5,630 you might pay less. Hopefully someone will come along who knows a bit more.